Should You Continue to Work Remotely?
Photo by Paico Oficial on Unsplash
Working from home has always been a conflicting experience. From having to transition from an office workspace to staring at a laptop from early morning to the late afternoon, we have surely gone through numerous changes. These unexpected changes expose us to the significance of the decision we have to make, the choice of championing tasks either in the office or at home.
Nonetheless, everyone has their preferred style. Stick to what you believe is best for you and flourish with it. Even if many may disagree with the setting you wish to work with, everyone operates diversely.
The Pros
1. More freedom and flexibility. According to an article penned by Hailley Griffis, “They [remote work organizations] give their team the freedom to create their schedule.” We can emphasize the independence that remote workers have. This freedom may range from the ability to relax and eat a meal while knocking out tasks to the decreased feeling of being watched while working.
2. Work with people all over the world. You stay connected with your co-workers residing in different neighborhoods, cities or even countries, allowing you to learn more about others from different places and how to work with a diverse group of people.
3. Less transportation and commute. You can complete tasks in the comfort of your own home. Working online means that you do not need any form of transportation to get to a physical workspace. No need to pay for gasoline and bus fares, plus you get to avoid parking tickets.
The Cons
1. Less productivity. With more flexibility comes less productivity. More often than not, we can feel fatigued and less productive while working online. As time passes by, we may find ourselves procrastinating on projects and tasks, and deadlines may tend to feel optional. The physical workspace presents us with a chance to take action to get on top of our work.
2. Decreased socialization. Socialization with co-workers while working from home can be quite lacking. It is such a different experience compared to speaking directly with people. Chatting and going outdoors during breaks is something we have taken for granted in the past years, and it is only now that we truly cherish the few moments we get to see our colleagues.
3. Easily distractive. When you are working at home, you can find minimal things to hinder you from work. Such as loud sounds in the background such as pets barking, and so much more. Anther example is stated in an article from Vox, “When schools closed, parents were expected to become teachers without missing team meetings.”
In retrospect, as more and more businesses and offices are beginning to return to in-person efforts, employees are expected to revert to the lifestyle they had one year ago. Some may have longed for this moment to socialize with colleagues. On the other hand, some may remain unenthusiastic. Whether or not you are for working remotely, it is imperative to outweigh the benefits and disadvantages of operating in a remote setting.
Other sources: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/the-pros-and-cons-of-working-from-home
My name is Keisha de Castro, and I am a current Junior at a High School in California. As a writer and editor for various political online blogs, campaigns, and clubs, I have helped raise awareness for socio-political matters and impact fellow teens through articles and social media. I enjoy adding my perspective to many aspects of writing, especially as a member of Gen Z!
